Link'd Up, 12/17/09: The new Yankee lineup?

Last week, I criticized the Yankees' trade for Curtis Granderson in part because it left their batting order unresolved.

Apparently, Brian Cashman was way ahead of me.

Unable to come to terms with free agent outfielder and resident No. 2 hitter Johnny Damon and facing life after Hideki Matsui, the Yanks' GM is trying to kill both birds with one Johnson. According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, the Bombers are in serious negotiations with Marlins first baseman Nick Johnson. The former Yankee would replace Matsui as the full-time designated hitter and slide into Damon's spot in the batting order.

A former Yankee, Johnson has demonstrated an uncanny (dare I say Nick Swisher-like? OK, maybe not) ability to get on base. His .426 on-base percentage last season ranks highest among 2009 free agents, and he's averaged more than 95 walks per year over his last three full seasons.

Johnson's ability to get on base is ideal for the No. 2 spot in the Yankee order, directly in front of RBI machines Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. He's already proven he can handle playing in New York, and he can spell Teixeira at first base and Granderson/Melky Cabrera in left field.

If Johnson does indeed sign with the Yankees, it all but assures Damon will not be back. The outfielder wants a multi-year deal for at least $13 million a year (his salary last season), while Cashman's best counteroffer has been two years and $18 million.

In the end, Cashman is making the right move. At 36, Damon is too uncertain a commodity to warrant $25+ million guaranteed when his range in left field is akin to Barry Bonds circa 2003. Johnson, meanwhile, is able to play several positions and will probably sign just a one-year contract.

Cashman may not be done dealing, though the Yankees have vehemently denied any interest in marquee free agent outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay. But if the Bombers do stand pat, the 2010 Opening Day lineup should look a little something like this:

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Johnson, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Nick Swisher, RF
8. Melky Cabrera, LF
9. Curtis Granderson, CF

(Note: I like Granderson in the No. 9 spot. It really makes for a nice turnaround.)